The Philippines said it remains committed to the United Nations (UN) and to global cooperation after losing its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027 to 2028 term.
Kyrgyzstan won the lone Asia-Pacific seat after four rounds of voting at the UN General Assembly, securing 142 votes against the Philippines’ 49. The seat required a two-thirds majority of the voting member states.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro said the Philippines respects the decision of UN member states and congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on its election to the Security Council.
“We thank the international community for the support and goodwill extended to the Philippines throughout our candidacy. Our campaign was anchored on our longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and cooperation among nations. These remain principles that the Philippines will continue to uphold and advance in the global community,” Lazaro said.
“The Philippines remains committed to working with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she added.
Kyrgyzstan led the Philippines throughout the voting rounds, starting at 105-85 in the first round, followed by 110-81 in the second, 123-68 in the third, and 142-49 in the fourth.
The Philippines had campaigned for the UNSC seat under the Marcos administration over the past year. Kyrgyzstan will join Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as newly elected non-permanent members of the Security Council beginning January 1, 2027. Reuters and UN reports confirmed Kyrgyzstan’s win in the Asia-Pacific race and its first-ever seat on the council.